Family Members Die of Suspected Poisoning in Nakapiripirit

Police in Nakapiripirit district are investigating circumstances under which four family members died and another one fell ill after eating suspected poisoned food.

The incident happened on Thursday morning in Lorenglup village, Nakapiripirit Town Council.

The victims identified as Francis Ekwam aged 42 a father, Akiliat Asingo 38, a wife, Emmanuel Ekwam 10, and Teddy Mugara 05, all from the same family reportedly died after consuming their supper.

Modesta Adubo aged 02 years old is also hospitalized at Tokora Health Center IV for treatment.

It's alleged that on 06/08/2024 Ekwam and his wife Akiliat who are now the deceased were at the shop doing business when they developed a quarrel in the presence of their daughter Catherine Nadunga aged 08 years old.

On Wednesday evening the two bought fish in town and took it home to prepare for supper that they all ate except Nadunga who doesn't eat fish.

Fontiano Adiaka, a neighbor, said it was on Thursday when Nadunga came out alone without parents at around 7:30 Am.

According to Adiaka, when she asked about why the other family members did not come out, Nadunga responded that they were still sleeping prompting her to enter inside the house to confirm, only to find all four people were already dead.

Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident. Longole said that they suspect victims to have eaten poisonous fish which they bought from Nakapiripirit town.

Longole noted that the deceased were passing whitish mucus and fresh blood in the nose and the mouth.

He said that samples from the deceased were picked for testing and statements have been recorded from the relevant people.

"The bodies have already been conveyed to Tokora Health Center IV before they are taken to Mbale regional referral hospital for postmortem. We shall give more details" Longole said.